Gabon Coup: Ousted Leader Seeks Global Outcry Against Arrest

Hours after military leaders seized power in Gabon, President Ali Bongo issued a plea to the public from where he is being held under house arrest.

The recently ousted leader called on the people of Gabon to “make noise,” saying in a brief video he had been illegally detained at his residence.

Bongo was accused of high treason, the group of high-ranking officers said.

The group added that other government officials as well as Bongo’s son, Nouredine Bongo, had been arrested.

Earlier, the military leaders in Gabon announced they seized power, days after the central African nation’s presidential election which confirmed President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s third term.